Russia wins test against Serbia

The Russian national football team, which was excluded from all FIFA and UEFA competitions due to the war of aggression in Ukraine, won a friendly match against Serbia’s selection in Moscow 4-0 on Thursday. In the first match against a European team since the war began over two years ago, the political aspect was also taken into account.

Relations between Belgrade and Moscow are considered friendly. Serbia has not participated in Western sanctions against Russia. Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic, among others, was in the stadium; he had already met his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Both saw goals from Anatoli Miranchuk (22nd/penalty), Maxim Ossipenko (32nd), Alexei Miranchuk (57th) and Ivan Sergeyev (91st).

Russia has been banned from all competitive matches by the football associations FIFA and UEFA because of the war. However, UEFA allowed the friendly match. The result should also be important for the world rankings created by FIFA.

Portugal defeats Sweden

In another test match, Portugal showed themselves as confident as they did in the European Championship qualification. In Guimaraes, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists celebrated a 5-2 home win against Sweden, who were not represented at the European Championships. Rafael Leao (24th), Matheus Nunes (33rd), Bruno Fernandes (45th), Bruma (57th) and Goncalo Ramos (61st) ensured the “Selecao”’s eleventh win in a row. Viktor Gyökeres (58th) and Gustaf Nilsson (90th) scored for Sweden.

Portugal’s team boss Roberto Martinez rested old master Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Joao Felix and Ruben Neves, among others. They should be back in the squad for the upcoming test on Tuesday in Slovenia.